Carousel Buses creates job boost through new driving academy

The first 20 graduates of a new bus driving academy have completed their training and gone into service across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Carousel Buses is creating employment opportunities for local people through its VIP Bus Driver Academy launched in January this year.

The full-time bus driving school is based at Carousel’s depot in High Wycombe and was launched in conjunction with a refreshed recruitment campaign by the operator. The response has seen multiple people sign up to become full-time and part-time bus drivers.

Jose Rubio Reyes, Operations Manager at Carousel Buses, said: “Seeing our first PCV drivers come through the VIP Academy has been nothing short of incredible.

“It’s one thing to create a programme you hope will change people’s careers, it’s another to actually watch it happen.

“The confidence, skills and passion that have grown in such a short time is exactly why we built the academy. What’s even more exciting is that we’re already on our third cohort, and the academy has now brought more than 20 newly qualified PCV licence holders into the business.”

The VIP Academy allows Carousel to provide professional training on-site at its depot for the first time, with training previously taking place at sister organisation Oxford Bus Company.

Mr Rubio Reyes said: “Training locally in High Wycombe has made a massive difference. Having everything based right at the depot where candidates will actually be working makes the whole experience feel more real and connected.

“People get to know the local team from day one, soak up the atmosphere, and start building confidence on the very routes they’ll be driving once they qualify. 

“Being local means drivers learn quicker, settle in faster, and feel part of the team straight away. It’s been a huge win for everyone.

“Having the training based in High Wycombe really does mean more local jobs for local people.

“With Carousel Buses continuously expanding, we’ve got a growing number of vacancies, and being able to train right here in Wycombe helps us bring new drivers in much faster.

“For anyone in the local community looking for a well‑paid, stable job with overtime opportunities, it’s a fantastic opportunity to step straight into a rewarding career.”

The VIP Academy was launched to support Carousel’s continued growth of its bus network across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

“As we build up the number of drivers in our business, we’ll be able to grow even further and keep improving the services we provide across the area,” added Mr Rubio Reyes.

“The VIP Academy is a huge part of Carousel’s growth story. As the business expands, we need a steady pipeline of skilled, confident drivers, and the academy gives us exactly that.

“Instead of relying on the wider market, we’re now developing our own talent, training people locally, and getting them ready to hit the ground running. 

“It means we can grow at the pace we need to support our expanded network and keep improving the service we offer to the community.”

New driver Gabriel Ki Kwan So said: “The training is world-class. I received excellent individual attention, allowing the instructor to fully focus on my driving and ensure I was completely prepared for the job. I would highly recommend the training if you want to become a bus driver.”

Carousel Buses operates more than 100 vehicles and employs over 200 people across its network. Bus driver training can take as little as six weeks, with trainees receiving full pay throughout the programme.

Candidates must have held a valid manual driving licence for more than 12 months, as well as demonstrating customer service skills and strong communication abilities.

Existing PCV licence holders are entitled to a £4,000 joining bonus and immediate start dates are being offered, along with industry-leading rates of pay. Successful applicants can earn up to £44,000 per year after overtime opportunities.

To learn more about the VIP Bus Driver Academy, please visit: carouselbuses.co.uk/drive